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| ENGINE | | Overhead-valve V-8, Gen I small-block Chevrolet; Induction One Carter No. 26669 four-barrel carburetor | | DISPLACEMENT | 283 | | COMPRESSION | ratio 9.5:1 | | HORSEPOWER | (Chevrolet rating) 230 @ 4,800rpm | | TORQUE | (Chevrolet rating) 300 lb-ft @ 3,800 rpm | CASTING /FACTORY
CODE NUMBERS
| • Block: 3737739 • Cylinder heads: 3748770 • Carburetor: 3746384 • Distributor: 1110890 • Generator: 1110243 | | TRANSMISSION | | Original Borg-Warner T-10 four-speed manual transmission (RPO 685) with console-mounted shifter | | REAREND | 3.55:1 rear gear ratio | | INTERIOR | | Restored production ’58 Corvette | | CHANGES | ’58 new dash design with 0- to 160-mph speedometer, tachometer relocated to top of steering column (0-8,000 rpm for optional solid-lifter 270 and 290hp engines, 0-6,000 rpm for all other engines), passenger-side dash grab bar in front of anodized trim insert | | SEATS | Restored ’58 buckets, upholstered in Charcoal vinyl | | SOUND SYSTEM | Optional (RPO 102) GM/Delco signal-seeking AM radio | | HVAC | Optional (RPO 101) heater. For A/C, lower the top and windows, then accelerate rapidly, as appropriate for the day’s weather |  Be Thankful it's not a '58...  Be Thankful it's not a '58 Buick: The '58-only chrome spears on Corvette's trunk lid added far less weight than the 75-100 pounds of chrome trim that same-year Buicks were burdened with. The convertible top was another carryover from the '57 model, as was the optional hardtop.  How Bad Was It? The '58's...  How Bad Was It? The '58's body forward of the doors was in such bad shape that it was discarded and reproduction pieces were used. At the other end, here's what the original 'glass looked like in and around the trunk, after 20 coats of paint were plastic-media-blasted off.  Rust-Clad Rarities: With...  Rust-Clad Rarities: With original 283 blocks in short supply, the '58's original block was reused after de-rusting and a thorough rebuild. The same went for the original heads (right).  Welcome In: Jeff Lilly Restorations...  Welcome In: Jeff Lilly Restorations refreshed this '58's interior with new Charcoal vinyl seat covers and Daytona-style carpeting. Note the new-for-'58 dash, with gauges in front of the driver and a passenger-side grab bar.  More Four-On-The-Floors: ...  More Four-On-The-Floors: Nineteen-fifty-eight was the first full model year that the RPO 685 four-speed manual transmission was on Corvette's option list, and 3,764 Vette buyers-including John Barker, this car's original owner-checked it on the option list. Jeff made sure the original-style "skinny stick" shifter handle was part of the restoration.  Within Reach: Along with...  Within Reach: Along with centering the gauges in front of the driver, the new-for-'58 Corvette dash placed the radio and heater controls within reach of both the driver and passenger, and put a clock where the tach used to be. Note the CONELRAD logos at AM 640 and 1240 on the radio dial-where to tune back then in case of a national emergency.
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